Alleged Political Network Behind Ivermectin Factory
Indonesia Corruption Watch (ICW) revealed the business and political network of PT Harsen Laboratories, the company that produces Ivermectin – an antiparasitic drug claimed to as COVID-19 medicines. ICW Political Corruption Researcher, Egi Primayogha, said that this network shows an alleged attempt to make a profit in the midst of the pandemic through political relations.
According to him, there were several findings in the political network context. "It seems like a company trying to make a profit and establish relationships with various parties such as politicians and public officials," Egi said on Thursday (7/22). The following are ICW findings:
- Relationship with Presidential Chief of Staff Moeldoko. PT Harsen Laboratories Vice President Sofia Koswara is listed as a director and shareholder of PT Noorpay Perkasa. Joanina Rachman, Moeldoko's daughter, owns Noorpay's largest stake. Moeldoko is in contact with Sofia through the cooperation between Noorpay and the Indonesian Farmers Association (HKTI) in rice exports. Moeldoko is the General Chair of HKTI.
- Relationship with PDI-P politician Ribka Tjiptaning. Ribka's son, Riyo Kristian Utomo, is the Marketing Director of PT Harsen Lab. Riyo spoke publicly when the Food and Drug Monitoring Agency (BPOM) raided the Hansen factory. Harsen has also donated medical equipment to the Disaster Management Agency, PDI-P side organization chaired by Ribka.
The Presidential Chief of Staff, Moeldoko, said that the information accused by ICW was false and misleading. "There is no business and cooperation between my daughter, Jo, and PT Harsen Lab," Moeldoko said in a press release, Thursday (7/22). He also denied ICW's accusations of cooperation between HKTI and Sofia in importing rice. "This tarnished my honor as HKTI chairman," he said. He is also considering taking legal action against ICW.